HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-15 ad Hoc - Library Landscape Committee MinutesAmy Lannon, Library Director; Meaghan Clemente, Library Administrative
Assistant;
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jake Soucy, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
1. Call to Order 7:01 p.m.
11. Public Comment
There were no public comments in person or remotely.
III. Report Updates on Prior Action Items
Ms. Lannon met with the Town's Forestry Supervisor and Tree Warden, Michael
Hannaford, regarding the general Library grounds. The Department of Public Works
(DPW) recently mowed, and volunteers spread mulch. Ms. Lannon noted using vinegar
as a natural solution to reduce weeds near the front entrance.
Legally, the DPW must maintain all trees and shrubs on the property. Therefore, RPL
cannot outsource this work to an outside contractor. Mr. Hannaford recommended the
Reading Garden Club's Adopt -An -Island program, allowing community participation in
ongoing garden maintenance.
The DPW may temporarily move the three large granite slabs closer in line with the
nearby walkway and plantings. This change would relocate seating and facilitate ease of
winter maintenance.
The DPW and Engineering Department are aware of erosion issues and are open to
exploring possible solutions. Using clover on the lawn area is acceptable, as it does not
add any additional maintenance burden to the DPW.
Page 1 1
-RECIVED
y 0rR as
TOWNCLERKTown
of Reading
R`r_A^INC, MA.
n' Meeting Minutes
AH 8:03
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee
Date: 2024-08-15 Time: .7:00 PM
Building: Reading Public Library Location: Conference Room
Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Genady Pilyaysky, Chair; Chemie Dubois, Vice -Chair; Jake Soucy, Secretary;
Elaine Stone; Desiree Zicko
Members - Not Present:
Andrea Hogan; Cappy Popp
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Library Director; Meaghan Clemente, Library Administrative
Assistant;
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jake Soucy, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
1. Call to Order 7:01 p.m.
11. Public Comment
There were no public comments in person or remotely.
III. Report Updates on Prior Action Items
Ms. Lannon met with the Town's Forestry Supervisor and Tree Warden, Michael
Hannaford, regarding the general Library grounds. The Department of Public Works
(DPW) recently mowed, and volunteers spread mulch. Ms. Lannon noted using vinegar
as a natural solution to reduce weeds near the front entrance.
Legally, the DPW must maintain all trees and shrubs on the property. Therefore, RPL
cannot outsource this work to an outside contractor. Mr. Hannaford recommended the
Reading Garden Club's Adopt -An -Island program, allowing community participation in
ongoing garden maintenance.
The DPW may temporarily move the three large granite slabs closer in line with the
nearby walkway and plantings. This change would relocate seating and facilitate ease of
winter maintenance.
The DPW and Engineering Department are aware of erosion issues and are open to
exploring possible solutions. Using clover on the lawn area is acceptable, as it does not
add any additional maintenance burden to the DPW.
Page 1 1
DPW can remove the yew bushes to expand the flat surface area on the property.
However, the nearby Bradford Pear trees pose a safety risk due to the possibilhy of
falling branches. DPW does not recommend any seating in this area due to the declining
health of the trees. The trees should be removed and replaced with three or four shade
trees. Ms. Lannon noted that DPW relocates bushes and trees throughout the town
when possible to prolong their lifespan. Mr. Soucy will discuss the removal of the yews
and Bradford Pear trees with his School Street neighbors. The Committee is grateful for
the DPW's assistance with maintenance on the property.
The Committee discussed commemoration plaques and recognitions. Ms. Lannon noted
that people can purchase trees through the Town of Reading's commemorative "Taking
Root for the Future" tree program. The Committee may consider recommending a
naming policy for donated memorial items.
Ms. Stone explored the possibility of rain gardens with the Water Department,
Conservation Commission, and Climate Advisory Committee. Although the Town does
not have an existing relationship with the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition or the
Ipswich River Water Coalition, these organizations have published detailed information
on rain garden installations. Ms. Stone shared one of these publications outlining rain
gardens' benefits and engineering aspects. Erosion near the stairway is caused by
water, but installing a rain garden within 10 feet of the building's foundation could pose
problems. Ms. Stone suggested consulting experts about the feasibility of rain garden
locations on the grounds.
The Committee discussed the Maillet, Sommes, and Morgan Municipal Vulnerability
Preparedness (MVP) project regarding wetland conservation, preservation, and
drainage. Ms. Lannon will contact Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and
Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol to learn more about planning,
mitigation, and funding for this type of project. Ms. Lannon will also check with the
Engineering Department regarding concerns about the rain garden's proposed proximity
to the building foundation. Ms. Lannon and Ms. Clemente will document weekly changes
to the stairs and walkway due to erosion caused by rain and snow in the coming months.
IV. Review and Discuss the Draft Proposed Recommendations
The draft of proposed recommendations for the project serves as the foundation for the
overview concepts that will be presented to the Board of Library Trustees in a slideshow
format during their September meeting. This document was reviewed and discussed in
detail at the Committee's July meeting. The Committee plans to incorporate feedback
from the Board into this document.
Motion: To table discussion of draft proposed recommendations untd the September 19,
2024 meeting.
(Zicko / Stone)
Vote: Approved 5.0
V. Review and Discuss Draft Presentation for the September 9, 2024, Board of
Library Trustee Meeting
Dr. Pilyaysky presented his draft of a project update presentation to the Board of Library
Trustees on September 9, 2024.
The project aims to support the Library's mission by creating a dedicated outdoor space
for learning, engagement, and small groups. It is important to revisit the original goal of
the project and Committee. Ms. Lannon noted pending updates to the Library's mission
statement and suggested incorporating the project's alignment with the Library's vision
Page 1 2
and core values as well. "Storytimes" should be plural and "improved accessibility" will
be upgraded to a major bullet heading as H applies to multiple project components. The
Committee discussed the wording regarding the outdoor group event space to clarify
that the space will be used for various educational and recreational Library programs
and passive engagement with the outdoors.
A summary of past activity updates is outlined, including engagement with Activitas,
priorities identified in the community survey, preliminary concepts and estimates for the
project, and original and value -engineered pricing. Moreover, after detailed evaluations
and discussions, the Committee will recommend a cost-conscious solution.
The most impactful improvements to the outdoor space include establishing a group
gathering space, shade and seating, native plants, and ease of maintenance. The
Committee agreed on the importance of considering the best use of underutilized areas
to maximize the effective and efficient use of the outdoor space. Dr. Pilyaysky will review
the process for determining these key priority elements through public feedback to the
Trustees.
An image of the recommended project focus highlights a narrowed focus on proposed
seating areas and vegetation that would positively impact community engagement with
the space.
Focus items include an event area with permanent or seasonal shade and tiered
seating, landscaping improvements, educational native plantings, a rain garden, the
incorporation of a historical original Highland School sink, the installation of trash and
recycling bins, and improved access to water for irrigation. Dr. Pilyaysky will note that
items should also be composed of sustainable materials when possible in accordance
with the Town's Buy Recycled policy and that improvements should have a long-lasting
lifespan of several decades, ideally at least 30 years.
Additional nice -to -have wish list items permitting funding availability include sustainable
rain collection options, small group seating, shaded patio space, outdoor power, updated
lighting that maintains dark sky compliance, and the relocation of existing bike racks to
establish additional patio space. These improvements would benefit the space but are
not a high priority and are unlikely to happen within the recommended budget.
Several "Do It Yourself" (DIY) improvements may also be possible through the Library's
supplemental spending budget using gift, state aid, and trust funds. Municipal
landscaping upgrades include Adirondack chair seating across the lawn and picnic
tables with umbrellas for small groups. DPW can add more shade trees.
The Committee recommends a budget of $350,00Tor the project. It is also seeking the
Board's approval to work with Town staff on creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for
the project and exploring potential fundraising options. The Trustees should also revisit
the Committee's purpose and mission as the next steps for the project are considered.
Work may be delegated to Town staff and community stakeholders or continue in a
formal public committee format for transparency purposes.
Ms. Zicko will aid Dr. Pilyaysky with incorporating and proofreading the discussed
changes.
Motion: To approve the presentation as amended to be defivered to the Board or Library
Trustees at their September 9, 2024 meeting.
(Dubois /Zicko)
Vote: Approved 5.0
Page 13
VI. Approval of July 18, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 18, 2024, Ad Hoc Library Landscape
Committee Meeting as presented.
(Soucy / Zicko)
Vote: Approved &0
VII. Future Agenda Items and Action Items
The Library Conference Room will not be available for the next Committee meeting on
Thursday, September 19. Therefore, the next meeting will be hell in the Library's Local
History Room and remotely on Zoom. Per Library policies, food and drink are prohibited
in the Local History Room.
In September, the Committee will review feedback from their presentation to the Board
of Library Trustees. The Committee will also review and vote to finalize their project
recommendations. Dr. Pilyaysky welcomed additional suggestions for agenda items.
VIII. Adjournment
Motion: To Adpum at 8:28 p.m.
(Dubois / Stone)
Vote: Approved 5-0
Respectfully Submitted,
sp
< J /
Jake Soucy, Secretary
Page 14
RAIN GARDEN GUIDE
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden has a bowl shape to collect the rain that runs off from a roof, driveway, parking area or
yard. This 6 - 9 inch deep basin fills with runoff and allows it to seep into the ground in a few hours. The
rain garden plants and soils filter the stormwater and cleanse pollutants that could harm water quality.
•bntlMrlwmxabb
raWgY arblr MMb
Letting the runoff soak in, rather
than go Into the street, replaces the
groundwater that keeps streams Rowing
during dry times. On hot summer days,
rain gardens also cool runoff from dark
pavement by putting it into the ground.
A constant supply of cool, clean
groundwater is essential to the health of
stream and pond life.
I Rain gardens are planted with
flowers, shrubs, trees and grasses that are easy -to -maintain and thrive without fertilizers and pesticides.
There is an array of colorful plants that can be obtained at garden centers and home improvement
stores, which will provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Why build a rain garden?
Benefits of Rain Gardens
Every time it rains, the runoff from hard surfaces will pick up and carry
dirt, bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides and debris, as well as oil and other
fluids that drip from cars. By building a rain garden, you will help sustain
the health of nearby brooks and ponds. Rain gardens attract birds and
beneficial insects like butterflies and bees that pollinate plants, as well as
dragonflies that eat mosquitoes. You and your family can learn from and
enjoy watching these wildlife habitats that will enrich your yard.
Storm runoff is the leading source of water pollution that can harm aquatic life and spoil recreational
uses of lakes and brooks. Creating rain gardens has many water quality benefits:
• Gardens remove dirt, oil and metals in stormwater
• Plants recycle phosphorus and other nutrients
• Microbes in soils reduce bacteria levels in runoff
Rain gardens can help fix soil erosion problems by
collecting excess water from rooftops or driveways.
These special features can complement any home style, _
since there are many choices of shapes and plants for a rain garden. Communities across the country
are restoring injured streams and reducing water treatment costs by installing rain gardens.
Where to build your rain garden
First, walk your yard in the rain and see where runoff from your roof,
driveway and patio flows. Choose a spot where runoff naturally goes —
the rain garden should be placed between the source of runoff and
where it Rows out of your yard. If the runoff stays in your yard and
already soaks into the ground, you may not need to build a rain garden.
It is also a good idea to talk to your neighbor if the garden will be close
to the property line.
When choosing the location, your rain garden should be:
• at least 30 feet from the house foundation to avoid water seeping into your basement
• at least 25 feet from a septic tank leach field, or a private well
• located away from underground utilities (call DigSafe at 811 to check for locations of gas pipes and
electric lines - at least three days before digging your garden)
• away from wet/soggy places where ponding persists after a storm
• away from tree roots that can be injured when digging the garden
You may decide to send additional water to the selected location depending on the amount of roof or
pavement runoff. Flexible plastic pipe or a shallow gravel -filled trench can be used to convey runoff
water from downspouts and paved areas into the rain garden.
Soils and Drainage
The soils in your yard affect how quickly the rain garden seeps into the ground. Soils will also help
you determine which plants are best suited for your rain garden. Light, sandy soils drain fast but can be
too dry between rains for some plants; heavy soils with sift and clay drain slower, but hold the moisture
needed by garden plants. The runoff in the garden should soak into the ground within six hours; if there
is standing water for more than six hours, consider making the garden larger.
Now to size your rain garden
The rain garden can be almost any size, but time and cost are
important in deciding how big to make your rain garden. Home rain
gardens usually range between 100 to 300 square feet. But any size
rain garden, even a small one, will help cleanse stormwater runoff.
For sandy soil, the rain garden should be 20-30% of the area that
supplies the runoff. If 1,000 square feet of roof and driveway will
supply runoff, your rain garden should be 200-300 square feet). For
slower draining soils, a larger rain garden will be needed.
Runoff flowing into the garden should spread evenly across its entire length. Level areas are good
spots for building a rain garden. Areas with slopes are more challenging. For details, see The Vermont
Rain Garden Manual(htto://www.vermontconservation.ore/images/stories/vtra,neardenmanual.odfl or
the Wisconsin Rain Gardens manual (htto,//Iea,niny5tore.uwex.edu/assetsipdfs/GWQ037.pd ).
Designing and selecting plants for your rain garden
There are almost endless designs for rain gardens. The rain garden is yours to enjoy —there is no
single best way to plant a rain garden — be creative and have fun designing! For visual charm, select
plants that have varied heights, Flowers, leaf color and shape, and that bloom or fruit at different times
during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Native species are recommended and when established do not need
extra water or fertilizer. Native plants can provide habitat and food for the
birds, insects and wildlife of the region. However, there are many types of
ornamentals to also consider.
As you choose plants, keep in mind that the rain garden has moisture
zones. The deepest part of the garden is most suited for plants that thrive
in wet conditions. The side slopes are suitable for those that do well in
drier conditions, and the rim of the garden is suitable for plants that grow
in the driest and sometimes droughty conditions.
There is a wide variety of plants available for every condition such as: full sun or shade, or those that
withstand 'wet feet' or are drought tolerant. After adding plants, top -off with three inches of mulch.
Hardwood chips that aged for six months are good, and there are many other types of mulch.
How to dig your rain garden
Following are basic guidelines - for more Information, visit EPA New England's "Soak up the Rain"
website at htto://www.epa.goy/regionitsoakuptherain/index.html
When you know the location and size, you can start building the rain garden. Smaller gardens an be
hand dug with a shovel, or equipment can be rented for larger gardens. At least 3 days before digging,
a# DipSafe at 811 to locate any underground utilities.
Dig the rain garden about a foot deep to provide a 6 — 9 inch deep basin in the middle and allow
room for three inches of mulch cover. If your garden will be on a level spot with well drained sandy or
loamy soils, a level bottomed basin with gently sloping sides can be dug.
Heavy clay soils and slowly draining soils may need to be dug 2 - 3 feet deep and partly filled with
coarse gravel, followed by a soil mix of 50% sand, 30% compost and 20% loam. This will both improve
drainage and help plants to grow well. (If groundwater seeps into the bottom of the excavation, find
another place to build your rain garden.)
If the rain garden Is on a slope, a low berm on the
downhill side is required. Create the berm by placing dug
soil on the downhill sideto make it level with the uphill side
(so the garden rim Is the same height all around).
After shaping the berm, add grass seed and cover with
mulch to prevent erosion of the berm until the grass takes
root. Use a carpenters level on a board to form a level
bottom where runoff will pool and seep into the ground.
Sunny rain garden plants
The places in your yard that get full sun for six or more hours a day, or partial sun (four to six hours
per day( will he good spots for flowering plants. There are hundreds of perennials and shrubs that can
be planted in sunny rain gardens. It is a good idea to ask your garden center or home improvement
store about sun and soil conditions that are suitable for the plants you intend to put in your garden.
A few examples of popular native species that do well in sunny rain gardens are listed below.
Perennial Rowers:
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) - orange flowers attract Monarch butterflies
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) — pink or red Rowers attract hummingbirds
New England Aster (Aster novae-anghoe) — bright purple flowers in early fall
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) —interesting lavender flower spikes in early fall
Black -Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)—golden flowers bloom in summer and fall
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) —striking pink or white flowers attract butterflies
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)—sweet smelling white blooms attract butterflies
Blue Wild Indigo(Boptisioaustrolis)— blue flowers and interesting seed pods Turtlehead
Grasses:
Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) -quick growing, spring wildlife cover
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoporium) -turns reddish orange in fall
Shrubs,
Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) - fragrant flowers attract butterflies
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus Serfcea) — red stems make a winter highlight
Bridalwreath Spiraea (Sp/rea latifolia)— cluster of small white flowers
Sweet Pepperbush
Shady Rain Gardens:
Places in your yard that have less than four hours of sun a day are spots for shade tolerant plants.
There are many perennials and shrubs that do well in shady conditions. Ask your garden center or home
improvement store about the shade and soil conditions for plants you intend to put in your garden. A
few examples of native species that do well in shady rain gardens are noted below.
Perennials:
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cordinalis) - vibrant red spiky flowers, short-lived
Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)—eye-catching blue -violet flowers
Goatsbeard (Aruncus diolcus) —grows to five feet tall with white flowers
Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentro eximio)—pink flowers early spring
Columbine (Aqulkgla conadensis)— red orange flowers attract butterflies
Sensitive Fern (Onocko sensibithr)
Shrubs. Bleeding Heart
Spicebush (Lindero benzoin) - white flowers
Rosebud Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) - purple flowers
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinum corymbasum) — small white flowers
Cost for Building Garden
This will vary depending on what you want and are able to do. If you do
the design, digging, and collect seeds or plants from other people with
gardens, the cost will be minimal. Or you can hire a contractor to design
and build your garden. Costs for a homeowner installed rain garden will be
about $2 — $5 per square foot, depending on the types of plants and
accessories that you want. Many landscapers are expert in designing and
building rain gardens, and the cost can range from $8 — $12 per square foot,
again depending on what you want.
Rain Garden Maintenance
A rain garden may need less attention than a lawn, but some maintenance is required. These measures
include:
Weeding during the first few months, as the maturing plants grow to fill up the garden. The rain garden
mulch will reduce weed seed germination and the loss of soil by erosion.
Pruning plants. Stems and seed heads may be kept for winter Interest, wildlife cover, and bird food.
Tattered and discolored plants should be cut back after the spring growth Is 4-6 Inches tall. Deadhead
flowers to promote new growth.
Mulch will need to be added every two or three years to maintain a 3 inch depth of mulch.
Replant as needed to replace plants that do not survive, or to add more plants to the garden. If a plant is
not thriving where you first placed it, move the plant to another spot. Some areas in the garden will be
wetter or drier and moving a plant can enable better conditions for growth.
Sediment that collects in the rain garden shows successful removal from runoff. Once or twice a year,
use a flat shovel to remove any excess.
A`�r1is
`Massachusetts Watershed Coalition
The Coalition's mission is to protect and restore streams, lakes and water supplies. The MWC partners
with communities to enable low impact design & sustainable watersheds. We also help home owners,
businesses and community groups to design and install practices that prevent and fix stormwater
problems. For more information, visit www.commonwaters.oro or telephone 978-534-0379.
UPDATE FROM:
IBRARY LANDSCAPING
COMMITTEE (LLC)
PART DEUX
Chem.Dubob- LLCVice-Chair,llbmry Trustee
Andrea Hagan- Senior Libmry Associate, Reading Public bbmry
Gena Pllyaveky- LLC Ct ; Cl'
CaPPy Popp - Ubrory Trustee
Jake Soucy- LLC Secretary
[IaineS - Reading CommunitVGorden Member
)esir9e Ziclm - Communications Specialist, Reading Public Library
SUPPORTING RPUS
CORE MISSION:
..A center and resource for learning
and civic engagement. We provide a
place and platform of, by, and for the
people who can benefit as
individuals as well as contribute to
the well-being of the community.
BY CREATING:
Dedicated outdoor space for leamirg &engagement
• E.g., educational events about nature, plants, &gardening,
outdoor storytime, and other programs and events for all
ages
Space for small groups
• Study sessions, book clubs, discussions
• Improved accessibility
Ah
READING
01 DISCUSSED ENGAGEMENT
Public
Activitas
02 COVERED PRELIM CONCEPT
• Discussed shading/sewing
• Birds eye -view of the grounds
03 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE
• Original price was -$1.2m
• Value engineering was -$80%
04 SINCE LAST MEETING
• Committee evaluation&discussion
• Cost concienciouse recommendation
Ah
READING
PRELIMINARY CONCEPT
Group space (e.g., pergola)
What are the current areas used for?
What are the least used areas?
0
READING
RECOMMENDED FOCUS
FOCUS ITEMS
1. Event area A 16'x16patio (e.g., pergola)
a. A permanent or temporary (seasonal) shade option for
the patio performance area
b. Tiered seating for 30-40 people built into the hillside
2. Landscaping East side of the library
a. Educational native plants garden along
b. Educational rain garden along the south and southeast
c. The incorporation of an original sink from the
building's
3. Maintenance Mems
a. Trash & recycling bin
b. Access to water for irrigation such as wall mounted
spigots on the northeast
• Note 1: Lifespan should be 30 yr.
• Note 2: Follow Town of Reading's"Buy Recycled Policy.
Alk
READING
r
NICE -TO -HAVES
• Sustainability. Additional rain collection options to minimize water use
• Small Ground SwHrg: Space for 3 picnic tables or seating for 10-12 on the hillside
• Shade: Add permanent or seasonal shade for the additional patio space
• Outside Power. Connections for charging electronic devices are desired
• Lighting: Update/replace existing light bollards illuminate walkways while mi
dark sky compliance and minimizing neighborhood impact
• DecluHec Remove or relocation of the existing bike racks and create additioi
space
in
READING
AM
READING
DO IT YOURSELF
. Minor Landscaping : Remove the yew trees near the Bradford Pear trees
. Provide Seating: Adirondack chairs (8-10) in pairs or trios across the School Street lawn
. SmollGroup Areas: Add two picnic tables with umbrellas in the existing Rat areas
Ak
READING
RECOMMENDATION & NEXT STEPS
• Target $350k price tag
• Allow LLC to:
o Work with the town staff on an RFP
o Explore fund raising options
YOU